About me
Professional
I’m a Licensed Professional Counselor Associate under the supervision of Amber Bailey, LMFT-S, LPC-S. I received my Master’s Degree from Lamar University, Beaumont, Texas with a specialization in Marriage and Family Therapy. Originally I am from Pakistan, I moved with my family to the United States for further education. I graduated from the University of Missouri, St. Louis, with a major in Education and ESOL Teaching. After 25 years of teaching in various countries and States, I realized my true passion was being with people, learning about their lives, their thoughts, their relationships, and what made them unique yet.
During my clinical internship, I gained valuable experience working with individuals, couples, and families. It was during this time that I developed a special interest in relational work (relationships). I am specializing in working with couples, specifically high-conflict couples. I am also passionate about working with teenagers, couples, families, individuals, men, women, South Asians, and the LBGTQ community.
My style of therapy is eclectic. My postmodern holistic orientation allows me to incorporate a wide array of therapy models, including humanistic, postmodern, strategic, psychoeducational, emotionally focused, and mindfulness therapeutic techniques. My well-rounded background, in education, diverse culture, and past teaching experience allows me to view an individual, couple, or family’s challenges in a culturally sensitive and systemic manner.
The connection between a therapist and client is one of the most critical factors for growth and recovery. I meet my clients where they are and work collaboratively with them, at their pace, to make them feel safe and supported. I tailor my sessions to my client’s needs using a variety of therapeutic interventions as there is no one-size-fits-all therapy. Inclusivity, providing equal access to therapy, is important to me. I am a culturally competent therapist who provides therapy to all individuals within my scope of practice.
Certifications and Specialized Training:
Gottman Couples Therapy Model - Level 2 Trained
Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) for Trauma
Dialectical Behavior Therapy ( DBT) for Suicidal Prevention
Volunteer for Suicidal CRISES TEXT LINE 741741
Getting to Know me
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Former Teacher
I bring 25 years of experience in education with me to my practice. My experiences give me a unique insight into the issues faced by young couples as parents. I'm the mother of two daughters and a son.
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Clinical Experience
I have had the opportunity to work in a variety of clinical settings providing therapy to both adolescents and adults. I specialize in treating suicidal ideation, and trauma, specifically with survivors of sexual assault and family violence, as well as experience in treating a wide range of issues including PTSD, anxiety, depression, and personality disorders.
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Holistic Approach
Humans are social beings and therapy does not work in isolation. I combine timeless techniques from eastern and western philosophies to enhance the emotional and psychological wellness and healing of my clients. My holistic approach is influenced by the idea that the mind-body-heart has the ability to mend on its own with a gentle push in the right direction.